Uzbekistan and Oman Discuss Expansion of Investment Cooperation

The Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade of Uzbekistan, Laziz Kudratov, held talks with the advisor to the Prime Minister of Japan, Uno Yoshimasa, on October 5. The parties discussed the further development of strategic partnership between the two states.

Particular attention was paid to the implementation of agreements reached during the high-level visit in December 2025. Furthermore, the meeting participants reviewed opportunities to expand industrial cooperation and organize the production of high value-added goods.

In 2025, trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Japan amounted to approximately 400 million US dollars. Since the beginning of 2026, bilateral trade turnover has increased by 11%, reaching 228.8 million US dollars.

The portfolio of joint projects with Japanese partners exceeds 12 billion US dollars. Currently, 144 enterprises with Japanese capital are operating in Uzbekistan.

A separate part of the negotiations was dedicated to implementing major projects in the fields of energy, transport, and infrastructure. The Japanese side also proposed strengthening cooperation within the framework of the 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific' concept. This initiative aims to strengthen resilience, support economic development, and expand regional connectivity.

A delegation from Uzbekistan held a series of business meetings in the Sultanate of Oman, where the parties discussed the development of joint work in the fields of geology, mining industry, geological exploration, and investment attraction.

The Deputy Minister of Mining and Geology, Rustam Yusupov, met with representatives of the Omani company Minerals Development Oman (MDO). The parties reviewed opportunities for cooperation in organizing geological exploration works in promising areas, as well as in developing precious mineral deposits.

Separate negotiations took place with Tasnim Group. Special attention was paid to cooperation in the field of critical minerals, joint geological exploration in promising territories of Uzbekistan, and the implementation of new investment projects.

During the visit, representatives of the Uzbek side also held meetings with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Oman, the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment Promotion, as well as the State Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones.

Furthermore, discussions were held with representatives of Omani companies Nine Business Company LLC, Oman Trade Establishment, OQ, Al Zubair Corporation LLC, and Asyad Group. During these meetings, the parties emphasized the importance of expanding mutually beneficial partnership in the mining industry and geology, focusing on further practical cooperation to attract modern technologies and investments into the relevant sectors.

Following the negotiations, the parties reached an agreement to continue interaction in areas of mutual interest.

Uzbekistan and Oman held discussions aimed at expanding trade, investment, and industrial cooperation between the two states, as well as improving transport and logistical connectivity.

The issues were discussed by Uzbekistan's Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade, Laziz Kudratov, and Oman's Minister of Trade, Industry, and Investment Promotion, Anwar bin Hilal Al Jabri.

The parties reviewed measures that would increase bilateral trade and expand the range of goods, as well as simplify access for Uzbek and Omani companies to the markets of both countries.

Particular attention was paid to creating direct contacts between exporters, buyers, and importers, as well as eliminating barriers related to standards, certification, and customs procedures.

One of the key issues was the proposal to conclude a preferential trade agreement. The parties discussed accelerating technical work to determine the list of goods, tariffs, and rules of origin for products.

Furthermore, the possibility of updating the agreement on the promotion and mutual protection of investments is being considered, which is expected to create more favorable conditions for investors and expand economic interaction.

In the field of industrial cooperation, the parties discussed implementing joint production projects based on market demand and investment needs. The importance of direct interaction between companies to identify commercially viable projects was emphasized.

Logistics also became an important part of the negotiations. The possibility of using Oman's port infrastructure to develop maritime routes and facilitate the movement of goods between the countries was examined.

The further use of direct flights between Muscat and Tashkent to support trade and investment and expand companies' market access was also discussed.

Significant attention was given to the participation of the private sector. In particular, the parties considered the possibilities of creating export-oriented production facilities in Oman's economic and free zones.

Additionally, it was planned to establish a business council and hold a business forum to present investment opportunities and establish direct links between companies, investors, and potential partners.

The discussions also focused on preparing practical results for the sixth meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Committee of Oman-Uzbekistan, which will take place in Muscat. The parties stressed the need to define priority projects and establish clear mechanisms for further interaction to develop cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, industry, and logistics.